Hunter Safety: Man shot by hunter in Louisiana after being mistaken for deer

A man was accidentally shot by a hunter who mistook him for a deer in an incident that has prompted the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to remind hunters about the importance of safety, according to Fox news.
The shooting occurred on December 23 in Zachary, a city located in East Baton Rouge Parish. Law enforcement responded to a report involving two hunters on a small, private property where both men were hunting deer.
According to LDWF, the two hunters, who had permission to hunt on the land, were unaware that they were on the same property. One hunter mistakenly identified the other as a deer and fired his 20-gauge shotgun, hitting the man with buckshot.
The shooter immediately called 911 upon realising his mistake. The wounded man was airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge with non-fatal injuries. Authorities did not specify the location of his injuries.
Upon investigating the incident, law enforcement discovered that neither hunter was wearing the required orange clothing nor had deer tags with them, leading to the shooter being cited for both violations.
The LDWF said that additional charges may follow as the investigation continues. In the meantime, the agency has issued a reminder to all hunters to prioritise safety. “Always wear orange, which is required by law, and positively identify your target and surroundings before firing your weapon,” LDWF was quoted as saying to Fox news.
The department concluded, “Let’s work together to prevent incidents like this and ensure everyone enjoys the outdoors safely.”